Red Cross opens new call center

The American Red Cross, responding to an unprecedented demand for assistance, has created a new toll-free call center to address disaster needs.

The toll-free call center will provide financial resources and referrals to services for Hurricane Katrina survivors. Families can access this program by calling 1-800-975-7585.

The Red Cross had distributed more than $100 million in financial assistance, providing critical services such as food and water, shelter, clothing and medical assistance.

"The role of charity is to turn compassion into action by harnessing the generosity and kindness of people who want to help and delivering it to those in need, " said Marsha J. Evans, Red Cross president and CEO. "The Red Cross will meet disaster needs and remain flexible as they continue to emerge in the weeks and months to come."

To apply for aid, storm victims must provide their name, pre-storm address, ZIP code and home telephone number to call center agents. They should also be prepared to write down a client identification number that they can take to a financial institution in their new community to receive support.

The Red Cross is providing emergency financial assistance, based on family size, for those who live in ZIP codes hardest hit by Hurrcane Katrina. The agency is providing client assistance cards, vouchers, checks or cash based on the cost of necessities such as food, toiletries and other essential.

Due to the huge number of families who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina, the phone lines are expected to be busy initially. Those not in immediate need of assistance, are asked to wait a few days before applying for aid.

The Red Cross anticipates helping between 750,000 and 1 million families.

Additional information on assistance programs and making contributions can be obtained at the Red Cross Web site, www.redcross.org.